Category Archives: Uncategorized

Consumer Survey 2026

Calling All Musicians, we want to hear from you!

Whether you’re a professional or hobbyist, however you make music, tell us how you get your gear.

It only takes 10 minutes, and your answers will help the Music Products Industry stay relevant to Australian Consumers.

PLUS one lucky entrant will win $300 to spend at their favourite AMA member store!

HAVE YOUR SAY AND WIN: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/26MPICS

SGS’26 MARSH ‘Happy Hour’ – Industry Reception

It wouldn’t be a Guitar Show without the MARSH Happy Hour!

Thanks to Simon and the Marsh team for supporting the show and the Industry reception once again. We had a great turnout in the Main Stage Bar and it was lovely to see so many exhibitors and staff enjoying a beverage after a very busy and warm Day One.

MVP award has to go to Alex for the leg work it took to get the pizza!

Looking forward to seeing you all again at the next one!

 

Fuel Crisis: What We’re Hearing (30th March 2026)

30th March 2026

This is a brief note to members about the developing situation with fuel prices and supply. At this point we are not in full 2020-style ‘crisis’ mode, but that experience is clearly weighing on the minds of many business leaders, bureaucreats, industry association leaders, consumers and various groups that are particularly affected.

Here’s ‘what we’re hearing’ today. Please let Alex know if you have useful information to share.

  • ARC reports impact on Australian retailers
  • Consumer Confidence reaches the lowest point on record
  • Australia Post is increasing the domestic parcel sending fuel surcharge but not changing rates to MyPost Business customers or retail customers.

Continue reading →

Funding for Exporters – Round 3

23rd March 2026

In July 2025 the Australian Music Association launched a new initiative to support exporters of music products. The Music Australia International Conference Contribution (MAICC) provides funding of up to $5000 to attend important international showcase events and trade shows to pursue export development strategies. Businesses producing Australian made music products can now apply in the third round to attend events from June 2026 to December 2026, including Music China, Guitar Summit, Cremona Musica and PASIC. Continue reading →

Substantial Changes Made to Musical Instrument Making and Repair Courses

17th December 2025

The AMA played a key role in making significant changes to two qualifications for Musical Instrument Making and Repair, which will reduce the barrier to creating accredited training for brass and woodwind technicians in Australia. While training of this kind is not currently provided, the structural changes and details included in the new version of the course outline are an important step towards a potential training solution.  Continue reading →

Pernambuco Compromise at CITES CoP20

8th December 2025

An international conference considering the regulation of endangered flora and fauna has reached a compromise on a proposal that would have severely impacted users of stringed-instrument bows containing pernambuco wood. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) regulates international movement of many listed species, and proposals can be made by any country that is a party to the Convention at the Conference of the Parties held every three years. CITES CoP20 concludes today in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Continue reading →

AMA @ Music China

The AMA will be on the ground at this year’s Music China, from 22nd-25th October at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre. Alex Masso, AMA CEO, will represent the association, meet with Australian delegates, and promote the Australian industry and Australian made products.

This year’s presence will be the first of its kind for the AMA, presenting as an exhibitor at a major international trade show. The project is inspired by the coordinated approach taken by Sounds Australia for Australian music, motivated by the AMA’s own members’ involvement in this show, and supported by Music Australia and Music China. Continue reading →

Major Announcement: the Guitar Show is coming to Sydney

25th August 2025

The Australian Music Association has produced the Melbourne Guitar Show, the largest showcase event for musical instruments in Australia, for the past decade and is continuing to produce the event after a successful move to Melbourne Showgrounds in 2025.

The Sydney Guitar Show will be held on 7th-8th March 2026. Planning is underway for a Melbourne Guitar Show the following year, on 13th-14th March 2027.

This presents an opportunity to create what many people have suggested and asked about, a Sydney Guitar Show. After an extensive search for a suitable venue, Sydney Showgrounds was chosen for its facilities, location, public transport and parking accessibility, and being well established as a major event location. Exhibition Hall 5, opposite the stadium and next to the Dome, around the corner from Olympic Park train station, offers multiple spaces, a large main room with space to grow, ease of access for patrons and exhibitors, and much more.

“This is an exciting opportunity for the industry and something our exhibitors have been asking about,” said Alex Masso, Executive Officer of the AMA and Producer of the Guitar Show. “This is an organisation that responds to member feedback, and this is the feedback we have been getting. Let’s do it.”

Tickets will be on sale later in 2025 alongside the program announcement. Exhibitor bookings commence on 1st September 2025, with a month of priority access for AMA members.

Read more or Download Exhibitor Prospectus